If you’re looking for a dish that impresses without demanding hours in the kitchen, this Apple Cider Glazed Roasted Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how the sweet and tangy apple cider glaze seeps into the juicy roasted chicken, creating a delightful balance of flavors that my family goes crazy for every time. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it your go-to for cozy dinners or special weekend meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory: The apple cider glaze brings a light sweetness that perfectly complements the savory roasted chicken.
- Simple Pantry Ingredients: You likely have most of these ingredients at home, making it easy to pull together even on a busy day.
- Juicy, Tender Results Every Time: This roasting method locks in moisture, so your chicken will be incredibly tender and flavorful.
- Impressive Yet Easy to Make: Looks like something from a restaurant, but honestly takes very little hands-on time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Apple Cider Glazed Roasted Chicken Recipe, the ingredients create a beautiful harmony—from the tangy apple cider to the fresh herbs and crisp apples that roast alongside the chicken. I recommend looking for a good-quality apple cider and fresh thyme to really make the flavors pop.
- Apple cider: Choose a fresh, unsweetened cider for the best natural flavor; you’ll reduce it to a rich glaze.
- Whole chicken: A fresh or thawed chicken around 4 pounds works best for even roasting.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning inside and out; don’t be shy to use enough to enhance the flavor.
- Granny Smith or Pink Lady apple: These tart apple varieties hold up well to roasting and add a lovely aromatic touch inside the bird.
- Small sweet onion: Adds subtle sweetness and moisture when roasted inside the chicken.
- Fresh thyme sprigs: Thyme’s earthiness pairs beautifully with both apple and chicken flavors.
- Butter (softened): Rubbing the chicken with butter ensures a crisp, golden skin and keeps meat moist.
Variations
I love that this Apple Cider Glazed Roasted Chicken Recipe is a fantastic base for mixing things up. Over time, I’ve tried a few variations—some to suit my family’s preferences and others just for fun. Feel free to personalize it and make it your own.
- Herb Mix Upgrade: Along with thyme, I’ve added rosemary and sage for a more robust herbal flavor that really elevates the aroma.
- Spiced Apple Cider: Try warming your apple cider with cinnamon sticks and cloves before reducing to infuse cozy spice notes.
- Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s perfect if you’re cooking for someone with gluten sensitivity.
- Vegetable Roast: Throw in chunks of sweet potatoes or carrots underneath the chicken for a complete meal that roasts alongside.
How to Make Apple Cider Glazed Roasted Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider to a Glaze
Start by pouring your apple cider into a small saucepan and bringing it to a boil. I like to do this while I prep the chicken because the reduction takes about 15–20 minutes. Continuous simmering concentrates the sweetness, so keep an eye on it to avoid burning and let it reduce down to about half a cup. This concentrated glaze will be your flavor-packed baste later.
Step 2: Prep and Season Your Chicken
Rinse your whole chicken under cold water and pat it dry thoroughly—that’s key for crisp skin. Sprinkle salt and pepper inside the cavity; I’ve found seasoning inside the bird really makes a difference in flavor depth. Stuff the cavity with half of the quartered apple pieces, onion, and thyme sprigs. Rub softened butter all over the outside; it helps brown the skin beautifully. Then, season the outside with more salt and pepper. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine to keep everything neat while roasting.
Step 3: Roast and Baste to Perfection
Place your chicken on a greased wire rack set inside a roasting pan—this lets heat circulate and helps the skin crisp up evenly. Pop it in your preheated 450°F oven and roast for 30 minutes. After that, lower the temperature to 350°F and roast longer, basting every 15 minutes with that luscious apple cider glaze you reduced earlier. Keep going until the chicken’s internal temperature hits 165°F—usually another 30 to 45 minutes. If the skin isn’t quite golden enough for your liking, a quick broil for 2 to 5 minutes will do the trick. Just watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Glazed Roasted Chicken Recipe
- Pat Dry Thoroughly: Damp skin steams instead of crisps, so drying your chicken well is key to that beautiful golden finish.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: I always rely on a thermometer to hit the perfect 165°F internal temp without overcooking or drying out the chicken.
- Baste Generously: Applying the apple cider glaze every 15 minutes locks in moisture and builds layers of flavor with each brush.
- Watch the Broil Step: When broiling to brown skin, keep the oven door slightly open and stand by to avoid burning in the last few minutes.
How to Serve Apple Cider Glazed Roasted Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
I like to garnish this chicken with a few fresh thyme sprigs and thin apple slices to echo the flavors inside the bird. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving heightens the savory notes and adds a delightful crunch.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with roasted root vegetables or a simple buttery mashed potato. For a fresh contrast, a crisp apple and fennel salad with a light vinaigrette brightens the plate beautifully. I often serve it alongside sautéed green beans with garlic for that perfect bite of green.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served the chicken whole on a large wooden platter surrounded by roasted apples and onions from the cavity stuffing—that presentation wows guests every time. A drizzle of extra warmed apple cider glaze on the plate makes it look elegant and keeps it juicy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the meal, I cool leftover chicken to room temperature and place it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I also save any extra glaze separately—it’s perfect for reheating or drizzling on the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the chicken, slice the meat off the bones and store it in freezer-safe containers or bags. I freeze the glaze separately to keep it fresher. Frozen cooked chicken lasts about 2 to 3 months and thaws overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, I gently warm the chicken in the oven at 325°F, covering it loosely with foil so it doesn’t dry out. Brushing a little of the apple cider glaze over the meat before warming really helps retain moisture and flavor.
FAQs
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Can I use store-bought apple juice instead of apple cider?
While you can substitute apple juice in a pinch, apple cider offers a richer, more complex flavor with a slightly tangier edge that’s key to this recipe’s charm. If you use apple juice, consider reducing it a little longer to concentrate sweetness and add a pinch of cinnamon to mimic cider’s depth.
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How do I know when the chicken is done?
The surest way is using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone; once it reads 165°F, your chicken is safe and perfectly cooked. The juices should run clear when pierced.
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Can I use boneless chicken pieces instead of a whole chicken?
You can, but the cooking time and technique will vary. Boneless pieces will cook faster, and you’ll want to baste frequently to keep them moist. Roasting on higher heat then finishing with the glaze works well for breasts or thighs.
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Is it necessary to tie the legs together with twine?
Tying legs helps the chicken cook evenly and keeps the stuffing inside during roasting. If you don’t have twine, you can tuck the legs under the bird, but tying is ideal for the best presentation and even cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cider Glazed Roasted Chicken Recipe has become such a beloved staple in my kitchen because it’s straightforward but feels fancy and festive. Every time I make it, I’m reminded of cozy family dinners and how a simple apple cider glaze can transform a classic roast into something truly memorable. I genuinely hope you try this soon—you’ll find it easier to make than you expect, and the flavors will keep bringing everyone back for seconds.
Print
Apple Cider Glazed Roasted Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Apple Cider Glazed Roasted Chicken is a succulent and flavorful dish featuring tender, juicy chicken infused with aromatic thyme, sweet onion, and crisp apple flavors. The chicken is roasted to perfection and basted with a rich apple cider glaze that caramelizes on the skin, creating a beautifully golden and delicious crust. Perfect for a comforting dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 whole chicken
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
Stuffing
- 1 Granny Smith or Pink Lady apple, quartered
- 1 small sweet onion, quartered
- 8 sprigs fresh thyme
Apple Cider Glaze
- 3 cups apple cider
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Roasting Setup: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Grease a wire rack and set it inside a roasting pan to ensure proper air circulation and even roasting of the chicken.
- Reduce the Apple Cider: Bring the 3 cups of apple cider to a boil in a small saucepan. Continue cooking until it reduces down to about 1/2 cup, concentrating the flavor for the glaze.
- Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels to help the skin crisp up during roasting.
- Season the Chicken Cavity: Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper inside the cavity of the chicken for internal seasoning.
- Stuff the Chicken: Place 2 quarters of the apple, 2 quarters of the onion, and 8 sprigs of fresh thyme inside the chicken cavity to infuse the meat with aromatic flavors as it roasts.
- Butter and Season the Exterior: Rub the softened butter evenly over the outside of the chicken. Then season the outside generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper for a flavorful, crispy skin.
- Truss the Chicken: Tie the chicken legs together with kitchen twine to ensure even cooking and maintain the shape during roasting.
- Roast the Chicken Initially: Place the chicken on the prepared wire rack inside the roasting pan. Put it in the preheated oven and roast at 450°F (232°C) for 30 minutes to start the browning process.
- Reduce Oven Temperature and Continue Roasting: Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C). Continue roasting the chicken, basting it with the reduced apple cider glaze every 15 minutes. Roast until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C), which should take approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
- Broil if Necessary: If the chicken skin is not browned enough after roasting, place the chicken under the broiler for 2 to 5 minutes to crisp and brown the skin beautifully. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to accurately check the internal temperature for food safety and optimal doneness.
- Be careful while broiling as the sugars in the cider glaze can burn quickly.
- You can substitute fresh thyme with rosemary or sage for a different herbal profile.
- Save the leftover apple cider glaze to drizzle over slices of the roasted chicken when serving.
- Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes after roasting before carving to retain juices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of chicken
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
